Campsites in Cornwall

Sandy beaches and surfing spots

Cornwall’s coastline is known for golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and some of the best surfing locations in the UK. With over 400 miles of shoreline, there are beaches to suit every kind of camper, from thrill-seekers chasing Atlantic waves to families looking for calm waters for swimming.

On the north coast, the Atlantic Ocean creates some of the top surfing waves in Europe. Fistral Beach in Newquay is Cornwall’s surfing capital, lined with surf schools and shops. Each summer, Fistral hosts part of the Boardmasters Festival, which combines surf contests with live music just along the coast at Watergate Bay - perfect for some summer fun!

Watergate Bay itself stretches for two miles beneath high cliffs and is ideal for both surfing and family days out. Just up the coast, Mawgan Porth offers a more laid-back vibe, with a wide sandy beach backed by cliffs and caves to explore. For beginners, Polzeath offers manageable waves and a relaxed vibe, while experienced surfers often head to Sennen Cove, a mile-long sandy beach near Land’s End with epic waves all year round.

Further north, Bude is another favourite, with several beaches offering something for everyone. Summerleaze Beach is home to the unique Bude Sea Pool for safe wild swimming, Widemouth Bay for scenic walking routes, and smaller sheltered coves which are perfect for rock pooling.

Perranporth Beach offers three miles of sand backed by dunes, with the bonus of a beach bar set directly on the sand for post-swim refreshments. Nearby, St Agnes is a World Heritage Site village surrounded by rugged cliffs, mining history, and some of the best coastal walks in Cornwall. Further east, Gwithian and Godrevy form part of a sweeping bay that’s popular with walkers as well as surfers. These beaches are also excellent spots for wildlife watching, with grey seals often seen lounging on Godrevy Island.

In contrast, the south coast has gentler seas and smaller, sheltered beaches. Porthcurno, set below the famous cliffside Minack Theatre, is one of Cornwall’s most striking coves, with bright turquoise waters. Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is equally dramatic, with white sand and rocky stacks that make it one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall. Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth offers a family-friendly atmosphere with lifeguards in summer, cafés, and easy access for paddleboarding and kayaking - great for watersport lovers!

The Isles of Scilly also lie just off the southwestern tip of Cornwall. With their calm, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and colourful subtropical gardens, the islands are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. St Mary’s, the largest island, has charming streets, small harbours, and plenty of walking trails, while smaller islands like Tresco, St Martin’s, and Bryher are ideal for escaping the crowds.

Walking the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s best walking routes, and Cornwall is lucky enough to have 286 miles of it. The trail hugs the coastline, winding past rugged cliffs, sandy bays, and tucked-away coves, with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might spot seabirds soaring overhead, or even a dolphin leaping out at sea.

In the north, the path runs through Newquay, then on to Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay, where dunes and heathland border expansive beaches that are perfect for a picnic stop or a paddle. Further west, walkers reach the dramatic Bedruthan Steps, and Tintagel, home to its legendary castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The Camel Estuary near Padstow offers a gentler walk, while the far west takes you to Land’s End and Sennen Cove, where cliffs rise sharply above the ocean, offering a bit more of a challenging climb! Not far from here, the iconic engine houses at Botallack perch on the cliffs, a reminder of Cornwall’s mining heritage.

On the south coast, the path heads past Porthcurno and Kynance Cove, with calm waters and hidden corners, perfect for swimming, rock pooling, or just resting your legs. Along the way, you’ll pass charming fishing villages, historic landmarks, and dramatic headlands, with plenty of “wow” moments around every bend!

Seaside towns and fishing villages

Cornwall’s seaside towns and fishing villages are full of charm, with picture-postcard harbours, bobbing boats, and winding narrow lanes.

On the north coast, Padstow is a lively harbour town where fishing boats come and go, and the waterfront has a buzz of activity. Just along the coast, Port Isaac is smaller and more traditional, set around a sheltered harbour with charming pubs offering sea views. Nearby, Rock offers a sandy estuary setting and sailing scene, popular with watersports fans and holidaymakers alike.

Further west, St Ives is famous for its mix of art and harbour life. Colourful boats sit in the bay, while the cobbled streets lead to galleries like the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. On the other side of the coast, Mousehole is one of Cornwall’s most picture-perfect villages, with a tiny harbour and whitewashed cottages that look especially magical during its famous Christmas lights display.

On the south coast, Mevagissey is still a working fishing village, with its twin harbour full of boats. Charlestown stands out for its historic Georgian harbour and tall ships, often seen in TV dramas and films like Poldark. Fowey, sitting on a scenic estuary, is a sailing hotspot with waterfront cafés, perfect for soaking up the views. Just east, Looe is another favourite, split between East and West by a river but connected via a bridge, where you can watch fishing boats unload their catch before heading to one of the local fish restaurants. Then there’s Falmouth, a larger harbour town with one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, plus attractions like the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Pendennis Castle looking down over the water.

A taste of Cornwall

From freshly caught seafood to sweet clotted cream, Cornwall is full of local flavours that will make eating here a highlight of any trip.

Seafood is at the heart of Cornish cuisine, with fishing boats landing their catch daily in harbours along the coast. Padstow has become a foodie hotspot thanks to celebrity chef Rick Stein, whose restaurants showcase the best of the local produce. Elsewhere, harbour towns like Mevagissey, St Ives, and Porthleven are perfect for sampling the freshest fish and shellfish straight from the boat.

No trip to Cornwall is complete without a Cornish pasty, the classic hand-crimped pastry once made for tin miners and now enjoyed everywhere from bakeries to farm shops. For something sweeter, a traditional Cornish cream tea - jam first, then clotted cream - is a must, and Cornish fudge is another treat you won’t want to miss, with rich, buttery flavours found in shops across the county. Local ice cream, often made with creamy Cornish milk, can be found at beachside kiosks and country cafés.

Beyond the coast, Cornwall’s food and drink scene extends inland. Farm shops and markets offer amazing produce, from cheeses like Cornish Yarg to chunky homemade chutneys. The county is also known for quality drinks. Camel Valley Vineyard produces sparkling wines that rival Champagne, while Tarquins Gin uses local botanicals along the north coast. Beer lovers will enjoy St Austell Brewery, where classics like Tribute Pale Ale and Proper Job are served in pubs across Cornwall.

Opportunities for adventure in Cornwall

Cornwall is a playground for adventure seekers. With wild moorland, rugged headlands, and miles of coastline to explore, there are endless ways to get active.

Adrenaline junkies can try coasteering, an activity that combines scrambling over rocks, jumping into the sea, and swimming through hidden sea caves. For a different kind of thrill, Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard offers zip lines, a giant swing, and an inflatable aquapark for a fun-filled day out. Those looking for something a little calmer can take to the water with sea kayaking or paddleboarding, the perfect way to explore Cornwall’s quieter coves and spot wildlife along the way. The Fal River and Helford River are especially good for this, with their creeks, hidden beaches, and sheltered waters. The estuary town of Fowey also makes a brilliant base for sailing, kayaking, and boat trips.

Inland, the landscapes of Bodmin Moor offer rugged granite moorland and great routes for hikes and walks. From the granite peak of Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall, to the legends of the Jamaica Inn, the moors are full of history, stories, and spectacular views. For more tree-top adventure, Via Ferrata Cornwall near Penryn combines climbing, zip-lining, and rope bridges in a unique high-wire experience.

Cyclists will love the Camel Trail, a traffic-free route following an old railway line between Bodmin, Wadebridge, and Padstow. It’s ideal for families, with easy terrain and riverside views, as well as stops for ice cream or a pub lunch. For tougher rides, the Tamar Valley offers a mix of woodland trails and quiet lanes with stunning river views, perfect for exploring on two wheels.

On the coast, the Land’s End Peninsula and Lizard Peninsula are perfect for wild adventures, with dramatic cliffs, secret coves, and plenty of scenic routes for walking or cycling. And if you’re up for the ultimate challenge, Land’s End isn’t just the most south-westerly point of the UK – it’s also the starting line for the legendary Land’s End to John O’Groats journey, an epic 874-mile route across the length of Britain. 

Top things to see and do in Cornwall

• St Ives – Explore the picture-perfect harbour, golden beaches, and art galleries. Wander the cobbled streets, visit Tate St Ives, and enjoy the cafés and shops along the waterfront.
• Eden Project – Giant biomes house tropical and Mediterranean plants, while outdoor gardens, trails, and seasonal events make it exciting for all ages.
• St Michael’s Mount – A small island topped with a castle and gardens. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway or take a boat when the tide is high, with breathtaking views all around.
• Tintagel Castle – Perched on the cliffs, it is said to be King Arthur’s birthplace. Explore the ruins, cross the dramatic footbridge, and take in sweeping views of the North Cornwall coastline.
• The Minack Theatre – A Roman-style open-air theatre carved into the cliffs at Porthcurno. You can watch a show with the Atlantic behind you, a truly memorable experience!
• Land’s End – Britain’s most westerly point. Enjoy cliff-top walks, take iconic photos with the signpost, and look out for seals and seabirds along the rugged coast.
• Padstow – Charming harbour town with colourful boats and winding streets. Explore the Camel Estuary and enjoy some of the famous seafood.
• Falmouth – Lively harbour town with a rich maritime history. Visit Pendennis Castle or the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, then wander the waterfront and quays.
• Kynance Cove – On the Lizard Peninsula, famous for its turquoise water, white sand, and striking rocky stacks.
• South West Coast Path – The path stretches 286 miles along Cornwall’s coastline. Short sections offer stunning cliff-top walks, hidden coves, and chances to spot seabirds, seals, and wildflowers.
• Newquay – Cornwall’s surfing capital. Try a lesson at Fistral Beach, watch surfers in action, or visit attractions like Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
• Charlestown – Historic Georgian harbour full of tall ships. Stroll the quays, watch the boats, and enjoy the charm of one of Cornwall’s classic ports.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan – A magical garden full of hidden paths, huge rhubarb, woodland walks, and unusual plants. 
• Lanhydrock – Grand Victorian country house and estate near Bodmin, with beautiful gardens, cycling trails, and miles of woodland walks.
• Trebah Garden –Subtropical paradise near Falmouth, with giant colourful flowers and plants, and a private beach on the Helford River.
  

Cornish Seal Sanctuary – At Gweek, you can meet rescued seals and sea lions, and learn about Cornwall’s marine life.

• Have a cream tea (the Cornish way!) – Sit in a cosy café by a harbour and enjoy fresh scones with jam first and then a generous dollop of clotted cream.
• Try a traditional Cornish pasty – Hand-crimped and hearty, these tasty parcels have been keeping miners fuelled for generations. Perfect for a snack on the go.
• Book a surf lesson – Catch your first wave at Fistral or Polzeath. Beginners or pros, there’s nothing like the thrill of gliding across the Atlantic!

Cornwall's hidden gems

While Cornwall is famous for its beaches and bustling towns, some of its hidden gems offer a quieter, more relaxing getaway. For those willing to explore off the beaten path, there are charming villages, secret coves, and peaceful countryside walks waiting to be discovered.

On the coast, tiny fishing villages like Portloe on the Roseland Peninsula, Coverack on the south coast, and Cadgwith on the Lizard Peninsula retain their authentic Cornish charm, with working harbours, narrow streets, and colourful cottages. Polperro is slightly larger but still quieter than St Ives, perfect for wandering past historic buildings and exploring its small harbours.

Secluded beaches and coves are another highlight. Lantic Bay, with its wide sandy shore backed by cliffs, is ideal for a peaceful day by the sea, while Nanjizal on the far west coast rewards adventurous walkers with dramatic cliffs and a hidden beach. Portherras Cove, tucked away on the north coast, is a tiny, picture-postcard spot perfect for exploring rock pools. 

Inland, Cornwall’s countryside and moors reveal hidden treasures. The Rame Peninsula, often called “Cornwall’s forgotten corner,” offers quiet coastal walks and panoramic views, while lesser-known trails across Bodmin Moor, such as around Dozmary Pool or the Cheesewring, provide wild landscapes.

Things to know

• Windy country lanes – Many roads are narrow, winding, and lined with hedgerows, so drive carefully!
• Cornish language and culture – Cornwall has its own flag, language, Cornish (Kernewek), and a rich Celtic heritage. You might spot place names, signs, or festivals celebrating local traditions.
• Most westerly county – Cornwall forms the far southwest tip of the UK, with Land’s End being the most south-westerly point.
• Birthplace of the Cornish pasty – This iconic pastry was created for tin miners and remains a must-try snack for locals and tourists.
• Weather can change fast – Even in summer, showers can appear suddenly. Layers and waterproofs are handy for coastal walks and moorland adventures.
• Amazing coastline – With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall is perfect for walks, beaches, and hidden coves.
• Seafood heaven – Fresh fish, crab, lobster, and scallops are caught daily. Harbours are great places to spot boats and sample local catches.
• Allow a little extra time for driving – Roads are scenic but often narrow and slow, so allow extra time to get from one attraction to another.
• Friendly locals – Cornish communities are welcoming, with a strong sense of pride in their towns, villages, and heritage.
• Plenty of outdoor adventures – Beyond beaches, Cornwall offers hiking, cycling, coasteering, kayaking, and exploring moors and peninsulas, with so much for everyone to enjoy!